Advice From Olympians

8 Team GB Olympians Reveal The Winning Habits That Can Make You Great

We've had the Euros. We've seen Wimbledon. Now it's the big one: The Olympics. This year, the Olympic Games will be held in Rio. From our seats at home, our entire nation will be cheering for Team GB to recreate the magical display of medals they put on four years ago. In 2012, they won 29 gold medals, slotting us in at third in the world medal table. That's a lot of British athletes that are officially allowed to say, "I'm the best in the world at what I do."

But how do they become 'the best'? How do they attain greatness? We asked eight current Team GB athletes for advice on how they approach just that – from the winning mindset to dealing with failure. This is how to be great at what you do.

Fencer James Davis: Keep a level head

“Having competed for a number of years in the senior GB team, I can now looked back over my younger career to understand where I went wrong. As a kid my goal was to stand in the number one spot with gold around my neck.

"Now I know the pressure I was putting myself under – which was naïve and disrespectful to my opponents. Understanding the importance of going back to basics, reminding myself why I fence and focusing on what is happening right in front of me and enjoying the competition is what every athletes needs to remember.

"That's all it's about – learning to enjoy what you love.”

Wilkinson Sword are backing James and the British fencing team on their road to Rio.

Gymnast Max Whitlock: You need rest days

“Finding the perfect balance to my training routine is essential. When big competitions are on the horizon, the impulse is to train as much as you can. But, any good coach will make sure you’re taking time to get enough rest in between sessions.

"I train six days a week, for seven hours a day so it would be dangerous to underestimate the importance of giving my body time to recover and recuperate. The same is true whenever you are training, and at whatever level. Rest may often be overlooked but it is crucial! It will allow your body to recover, and refresh your energy levels, so that you can give it your all the next time you train.

"I sleep for about 10 hours on training days and, when I get back from the gym, my evenings are all about relaxing at home with my girlfriend, family and friends; usually on the sofa with a good movie!"

Max is an ambassador for DFS, who are providing specially designed sofas and chairs for Team GB HQ.

Swimmer Chris Walker-Heborn: Know how to handle failure

"Failure is a huge part to any athlete’s career. If you have a sporting hero, look at their past, I can assure you they weren't always a champion at their sport. Everyone has their set backs, they are almost an essential to success, they help fuel your drive and passion for success.

"Sometimes failure can override the system and force you to back out or quit. I have had my fair share of struggles, it took me three years of a heavy plateau in my sport, and having to train myself to completely unlearn the majority of what I knew about my training, before I had my break through.

"It was totally worth fighting for, it helped me appreciate the success more than I could imagine. It also meant a lot more to me knowing how hard I worked for it, never giving up when it seemed the only option!"

Chris is working with Ford as part of their Unlearn campaign, encouraging people to step outside of what they know and challenge the norm.

Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson: Stay grounded

"2016 is such an important year for me, with ‘gold’ firmly on my mind and in my sights! I’m a massive home-girl at heart which is why I still train in Liverpool so I can go home and spend time with my Mum, Nan and dogs after a hard day’s work. I’ve just bought my first house, I love it, especially as it’s just around the corner from my mum, so I can still go home and cook dinner with her – some things will never change!

“I’ve enjoyed so many amazing memories in my home. I remember when my family made me this huge good luck sign to send me off to the World Championships in Beijing and hung it on the garage at the front of the house; I feel so lucky to have their love and support.

“It’s really important for me that when I’m competing, I keep a positive forward-looking mind-set but also take inspiration from my past successes and cherished memories to keep me motivated. Sometimes it takes a knock to realise how much you want something and you should learn from this rather than let it get you down.”

Dulux will be rooting for their brand ambassador, Katarina, in the Games.

Rower Mo Sbihi: Maintain a healthy diet

"I use a food delivery service called FreshFitnessFood, who are great. Training full-time as a rower, most of my day is taken up with training. Whilst I don't train every minute of every day, recovery is important and having my meals ready for me helps me use my time in a better way. It's a bit easier, too! The food is catered to my exact needs (down to the last macro), meets my religious requirements and tastes awesome.

"That said, no everyone can afford a service like that. So, if you're cooking at home, here's my tip. People can get carried away with portion sizes, cutting a macro out of their diets or following a fad diet. Don't. A simple, balanced diet allows you to eat well and treat yourself every now and then. But the most effective diet is one full of will power and control. Good luck!"

Track Cyclist Laura Trott: Forge a winning mindset

“Getting ready for the Olympics is just as much about mental preparation as it is about physical preparation. We have to make sure that we know exactly what our goals are and how we are going to achieve them.

"Feeling good is all part of this, which is why we work closely with our teammates and coaches to ensure that we are not just in a competitive frame of mind, but also a positive frame of mind.

"The power of positive thinking is massively underrated and should always be a huge part of any training regime for a professional athlete no matter what their sport. It’s not just in competitions though – an award winning mindset can have huge benefits in all areas of life.”

Laura is a brand ambassador for Invisalign, who straightened her teeth ready for the big moment she bites that gold medal. Hopefully...

Rugby player Tom Mitchell: Manage your injuries

"Unfortunately I have lots of experience in this area! Get the facts and have a plan – what is the time frame? What are the stages of recovery? Accept the situation and embrace the journey. Adversity can reveal a lot about ourselves".

Swimmer Michael Jamieson: Hack your motivation

"Believe in your ability to execute your goals. Sticking to a rigorous, specific training programme will also give you confidence. But, most of all, you have to enjoy it to really feel motivated & committed to your goals!"

Michael is encouraging guys like you to get fit by swimming, as part of Speedo's 'Dive In' campaign.

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